Side winds sign: what it means
The side winds sign warns that strong winds may blow across the road ahead. A gust can push a car, a cyclist or a high vehicle off course.
What does the side winds sign mean?
The windsock symbol shows wind blowing across the road. Know your traffic signs calls it “side winds”.
Quick quiz
What does the sign at the top of this page mean?
- Ice may be on the road ahead.
- Strong side winds likely ahead.
- The road leads to a quayside or river bank ahead.
Show answer
B. Strong side winds likely ahead. Side winds are likely ahead (Know your traffic signs). Source: Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK; The Highway Code, rule 232, GOV.UK; Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Where will you see it?
On bridges, viaducts, open moorland, coast roads and gaps in hills or hedges.
What should you do?
Slow down, keep both hands on the wheel and expect sudden gusts. Give cyclists, motorcyclists, horse riders and high-sided vehicles more room: Rule 232 says strong gusts can blow them off course.
What do people get wrong?
Passing a cyclist or a lorry closely on an exposed road. A gust can push them into your path.
Common questions
Which vehicles are most affected by side winds?
High-sided vehicles, but gusts can also blow cars, cyclists, motorcyclists and horse riders off course (The Highway Code, rule 232).
Where do side winds usually catch you out?
On open stretches of road, and when you pass bridges or gaps in hedges (rule 232).
Compare with
Risk of ice signIce may be on the road ahead.
Quayside or river bank signThe road leads to a quayside or river bank ahead.
Want to test someone else? Play a road-sign quiz with friends and family.
Sources
Checked on 3 November 2026 against Know your traffic signs (warning signs) and The Highway Code rule 232.
- Know your traffic signs: warning signs, GOV.UK
- The Highway Code, rule 232, GOV.UK
- Traffic sign images, Department for Transport, GOV.UK
Contains public sector information licensed under the Open Government Licence v3.0. Traffic sign images are Crown copyright, from the Department for Transport. Sources and image credits.